Weekend breaks

If it’s a beach hunt bringing you here, Holidayline Executive Bhrona suggests Nissi beach. “It’s really pretty,” she says. “There’s a section of the beach that gets you ready for a night out, with music and everything, and there are loads of watersports as well. Another good one is Curium beach. It’s between Limassol and Paphos, and it’s lovely - very popular with families.” If you can tear yourself away from the golden sands and blue seas, venture into the Troodos Mountains, where the Kykkos Monastery awaits. Bhrona says, “It’s a really good day out. We do a brilliant jeep safari there. The guides are great, they give you all the information about the island but they’re so entertaining, I came home and my cheeks were hurting I’d been laughing so much.”

So, mountains aside, what else gets the thumbs up? “The ancient mosaics in Paphos are definitely worth seeing and, of course, there’s Aphrodite’s Rock, where the Goddess of Love is said to have risen from the sea.” And when the party hour slips round you can probably guess where the place to be is. “Ayia Napa. It’s brilliant for a night out. The Castle Club is great, it’s got everything from R&B to dance music and cheesy pop. Bar Street in Paphos is good, too. If you don’t want anything too lively there are some nice little tavernas round the harbour front, where you can just have a meal and a glass of wine.”

It’s not every day you find yourself sitting in a restaurant, your food served to you on the end of a sword. But that’s one of the more bizarre highlights of a trip to Playa de las Americas. Hotel Payments Executive Helen says, “It’s an Argentine place called Los Rodeos. They put lots of meat on a long sword - steak, sausages, chicken, all sorts - then bring it over and cut it at your table.” If you’re looking for somewhere really special however, it’s got to be The Monastery in La Orotava. She says, “It really is the most incredible place. It’s basically lots of separate restaurants on one site and it’s very olde worlde and full of the most amazing antiques.”

Sights-wise, she reckons the parrot park should top your list. “If you don’t do anything else, go to the Loro Parque. It’s a cracking day out. Apart from the animals you’ve got lovely gardens and there are bars and restaurants on site, it appeals to everyone.” Come sunset, she recommends the bright lights of party-loving Playa de las Americas. “The youngsters love Veronica’s on the strip, or The Patch, which is a separate area with lots of discos. If you fancy a different sort of night out, go and see the Spanish ballet at the Mare Nostrum in Playa de las Americas. It’s amazing. I’ve just been to see an up-to-date version of Romeo and Juliet complete with motorbikes zooming up and down the aisle!”

First things first, beach lovers prepare to surrender your heart – and your beach towel - to the Maspalomos dunes, a rippling carpet of sand that simply demands your tanning time. Administration Executive Paula says, “They’re great if you just want to relax. Another good sunbathing spot is Amadores beach in Puerto Rico. There are lots of restaurants along the front and it’s not as busy as the main one.” Like its neighbours, Gran Canaria’s got markets a-plenty, well stocked with tempting little souvenirs like embroidered tablecloths and hand-painted pottery. But if you want to inflict some serious damage on your flexible friend, give the island capital, Las Palmas, a whirl. “It’s packed with trendy boutiques and little tapas bars, and you’ve got the big department store El Corte Ingles which is really good,” says Paula.

Ready to see a little more of the island? Then a good place to start is Puerto Mogan. “It’s known as Little Venice,” she says. “It’s really pretty, with little bridges and whitewashed houses and lots of flowers. They have a market there on a Friday with lots of local souvenirs.” And when night falls, you’ve got plenty of options. “Meloneras is lovely, round by the lighthouse. There’s a really nice promenade with lots of lovely restaurants. Grand Italia is a lovely Italian place right on the seafront.” Of course, neon-lit Playa del Ingles is famous for it’s loud and lively nightlife. Paula says, “If you want a big night out it’s got to be the Kasbah. There are loads of bars and clubs to choose from and they stay open until really late.” So don’t forget those dancing shoes.